Review of Family and Civil Legislation, Regulations, and Processes

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Review of Family and Civil Legislation, Regulations, and Processes

Parliamentary Assistant to the Attorney General, Lindsey Park, has commenced a review of family and civil legislation, regulations, and processes. The review will explore ways to simplify family and civil court processes, reduce costs and delays, and encourage the earlier resolution of disputes.

As part of the review, the Ministry of the Attorney General is looking for ways to:

direct family law matters out of a combative court process, where possible;

reduce the cost of the process to families and taxpayers; and

streamline the processes to shorten the time to resolution.

"Individuals, families, and businesses interact with the court processes every day and, more often than not, they face unnecessary delays and exorbitant legal costs to resolve their disputes," said Park. "Particularly in the family law context, we need processes that help couples make the best decisions for them and their children with a court system that causes minimal additional stress and emotional strain."

As part of the review, Park will be meeting with members of the legal community and the public across Ontario, and will be accepting and reviewing written submissions with suggestions for improving family and civil legislation, regulations, and processes.